Overview
- Bleacher Report compiled seven notable underperformers whose seasons fell well below preseason expectations and who now present concrete questions for their teams.
- Jose Altuve showed age-related decline with a .250 batting average, an OPS+ below 100, and markedly poor defensive numbers that complicate the final years of his multi-year deal.
- Brandon Marsh and Seth Lugo suffered sharp second-half dropoffs, with Marsh hitting .184 and a .502 OPS after the break and Lugo posting a 6.12 ERA in 13 post–All-Star starts.
- Trade-linked regressions and veteran reversals include Robbie Ray, who had a 5.02 ERA in nine starts after his trade and exited Game 1 of the NLDS in 2.2 innings, and Taylor Ward, who hit .125 with no homers in 101 plate appearances for Seattle.
- Teams must weigh clear financial and roster risks for 2027, such as Merrill Kelly’s 4.94 ERA after re-signing on a two-year, $40 million deal, Jo Adell’s underwhelming .740 OPS and 0.6 WAR after a midseason move, and Seth Lugo’s $21.5 million owed in 2027.